SWAKOPMUND - United Democratic Front president and member of Parliament, Apius !Auchab, has called on the government to cease providing allowances to traditional authorities and leaders who do not fulfil their responsibilities to their communities. 

!Auchab intends to lobby for changes to the Traditional Authorities Act in order to grant more control to the communities, ensuring that inactive traditional authorities are compelled to work and serve the communities they represent.

This demand comes in response to the absence of several traditional authorities at a recent consultative meeting held to address issues such as ownership of mineral resources, housing, and the lack of involvement in community affairs by traditional leaders. 

Only the Dauredaman Traditional Authority and the Zeraeua Traditional Authority provided apologies, citing equally important prior engagements that could not be postponed.

Expressing his disappointment, !Auchab informed New Era that he plans to table a motion in September to amend the traditional authority law, granting communities greater influence over their own affairs. He emphasised that the current state of affairs has resulted in the impoverishment of residents, while those elected to serve them only enrich themselves.

“I attended this meeting to discuss the issues affecting our people prior to tabling the motion, but the behaviour of our elected leaders clearly demonstrates that they lack the interests of the communities they serve. This is especially true of the traditional leaders in Okombahe, where the meeting was supposed to take place. They did not even offer an apology,” !Auchab remarked.

He further highlighted that this lack of accountability is a negative reflection on the leaders’ commitment to the community. Consequently, he intends to engage the line ministry in order to review the Traditional Authority Act.

“The communities should possess more power than the leaders themselves. Payment should only be granted if they serve the community. We cannot afford individuals who continuously benefit without contributing anything,” emphasised !Auchab.

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na